NBA Rumors: Future of Heat’s ‘Big Three’ Contingent on LeBron James

For Dwyane Wade, Chris Bosh and LeBron James, this season’s focus is on three-peating as NBA champions. For the rest of the NBA enthusiasts, it’s on whether the Miami Heat’s “Big Three” will remain in South Beach beyond the 2013-14 season.

In an interview on ESPN’s “SportsCenter” Wednesday afternoon, Heat beat reporter Michael Wallace said he expects Wade to remain in Miami and eventually retire there, and the same goes for Bosh, but the biggest factor for the team and the future of the “Big Three” is whether LeBron believes he can continue winning championships with the Heat’s aging roster.

“I think all three are staying,” Wallace said. “LeBron is the biggest question mark. It all starts and ends with LeBron James… It’s all about LeBron James, and the fact of the matter is he can’t foresee or envision a scenario right now in which he’d want to leave. He’s still publicly saying ‘we’ll see,’ but a lot of the moves and things he’s saying behind the scenes is that he’s comfortable in Miami.”

In an interview with ESPN the Magazine, Wade discussed the opt-out clauses each member of the “Big Three” have to consider this summer. Wade, Bosh and James plan to meet prior to June 30 about their futures with the Heat, but until then the focus remains on a third consecutive Larry O’Brien Trophy.

“I’m at a position where I don’t really have to worry about it,” Wade said. “I’ve been with the same organization for now 11 years. We’ve won multiple championships, so it’s no reason where I need to think about that yet. I’m not at a point where we are a bad team and I need to think about the future so right now I’m really focused on just enjoying this team, enjoying our quest to try to ‘Three-peat.’

“And when the season is over, and whatever happens, then I will sit down and I will sit down with Chris and I will sit down with Bron and I will sit down and make the best decision for myself and my family.”

LeBron has already been linked to three teams this offseason, including his first team, the Cleveland Cavaliers, as well as to the New York Knicks under new president Phil Jackson and as the new centerpiece of the Los Angeles Lakers. Wade, on the other hand, is expected to finish his career in Miami. According to Wallace, Bosh, too, wants to stay in South Beach.